Fire Damages House on South Willow

(EFFINGHAM FIRE CHIEF BRANT YOCHUM {in white turnout gear} AND OTHER FIREFIGHTERS AT FIRE SCENE ON SOUTH WILLOW)

Fire damaged a house at 1307 South Willow Street in Effingham early this afternoon.

The call came at 12:50pm and came from the resident of the house who arrived home to find the fire. No one was injured, although several pets inside the house were lost to the fire...three cats and two dogs. Firefighters found the house full of smoke, with smoke showing from the exterior rear of the house.

The fire was confined to the basement of the structure, but the cause of the fire is not yet known. Damage was estimated at $100,000.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Teutopolis, Altamont and Shumway firefighters assisted Effingham firefighters at the scene. Firefighters were on the scene for just under two hours. Dieterich firefighters covered the Effingham stations. Also assisting were Effingham City Dispatch, Effingham Police Department, and Rural Med EMS.